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🐦 Comedy, Crafts & The Best of Portland Rd
World-class comedy hits the stages while we uncover bespoke embroidery and secret Sri Lankan eats in West Hove.
Ben Watkins
March 20, 2026
Happy Friday, Brighton & Hove!
The sun is shining and so are the comedy stars this weekend, from world-class improv at the Theatre Royal to unfiltered oversharing at the Dome. Portland Road also gets the spotlight this week, with bespoke embroidery and what might be Hove's finest chef's table.
Here’s what’s squawking this week:
🎤 Huge comedy specials from Michelle de Swarte and Connor Burns
🧵 Bespoke embroidery and mending workshops at StephieAnn
🍛 Authentic Sri Lankan regional eats at The Spice Circuit
🛍️ Double helpings of local craft markets across the city
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20/3/2026 - 22/3/2026
🎤 Connor Burns: Gallus 🕣 8pm, Sun Scotland’s international breakthrough stand-up star returns with a fearless hour of sharp wit and high-energy storytelling. Having toured 100 dates worldwide, Connor brings his hit Fringe show to Brighton ahead of his global comedy special release. 🍀 Foil, Arms and Hog: Skittish 🕣 7:30pm, Sun The world-renowned Irish trio bring their brand new mix of sketch comedy, audience participation, and chaotic improvisation to the coast. It’s a rare chance to see why they've become one of the most celebrated comedy groups on the planet. 💅 Michelle de Swarte: The Afters 🕣 8pm, Sun The star of BBC’s Spent delivers some honest oversharing about life before social media and the realities of pregaming perimenopause. It’s a hilarious, unfiltered look at what happens when the party's over and real life kicks in. 📣 Jamie Hutchinson: Can My Mate Come? 🕣 8pm, Sun A brand-new hour of unfiltered comedy and chaotic charm from the stand-up and podcast cult hero. He might be getting older, but he’s definitely not getting any wiser in this latest tour show. | 🛍️ Brighton's Craft & Flea Market 🕣 11am-4pm, Sat Support small businesses by exploring this vibrant gathering of talented local artisans and independent makers. It’s the perfect spot to pick up a unique gift inside one of the city's most breathtaking architectural landmarks. 🌊 Coastal Structures 🕣 11am-4pm, Sat Two local artists showcase a stunning printmaking exhibition inspired by the raw textures of the coast and the sea. Drop by the seafront gallery to see how they've captured the unique spirit of the Brighton shoreline. 🐡 Skip's Family Workshop - Ponyo 🕣 10:30am, Sat This undersea adventure for ages 5-10 is inspired by the Studio Ghibli classic and packed with imaginative arts and crafts. Kids get to explore the theatre through making and playing in this high-energy morning session. 🧶 Spring Craft Market 🕣 11am-4pm, Sun Browse lovely local stalls and pick up unique handmade treasures in the heart of the community. It’s a great chance to enjoy some tea and cake while supporting Brighton’s creative talent. |
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🛍️ StephieAnn
If you head down to 87 Portland Road, you’ll find a shop that’s been transformed from a former estate agent into a two-story hive of textile design. The mezzanine layout is the coolest part, you can look down from the shop floor and watch Stephie herself working away at her swanky embroidery machines, customising orders in real-time. Having studied haute couture embroidery in New York and traditional crafts in Romania, Stephie moved into this Hove studio in 2023 to bring a serious level of craftsmanship to everyday items. We’re talking hand-embroidered cashmere socks, organic bamboo pyjamas, and silk sleep masks that feel a world away from mass-produced high street finds.
The upstairs space is a curated collection of gifts, from wild fig scented candles to delicate lavender bags inspired by the poetry of Maya Angelou. It’s also become a community hub for local crafters, with a massive glass table in the centre used for workshops like visible mending (perfect for saving your favourite old knits) and pressed flower frame classes. The turnaround for bespoke work is remarkably sharp, often ready in just a few days, making it the ideal spot for a high-quality and one-of-a-kind gift. Next time you’re in West Hove, pop in on a weekday to rummage through the sample sale baskets and see what’s currently being stitched downstairs.
📍 87 Portland Rd, Hove
⏰ 9-5pm (Mon-Fri)
🧑💻 Online store, custom embroidery & workshops
🍛 The Spice Circuit Kitchen
Sticking with Portland Road, we’ve got another truly original spot from local culinary legend, Kanthi Thamma, whose path from Hyderabad to Hove is a proper culinary story in itself. From starting out in Hyderabad and working in the scenic Swiss Alps (a favourite for Bollywood shoots) to a stint at Disney World, Kanthi eventually landed in Brighton with a clear mission: to kill off the 'bland curry house’ stereotype. Since 2007, he’s been the driving force behind some of our city’s most iconic spots, including Curry Leaf Cafe, Easy Tiger, and the critically acclaimed Palmito. And after a decade of winning awards and taking food enthusiasts on tours through India and Sri Lanka, he returned once more with another venture in 2025: The Spice Circuit Kitchen.
Tucked away at the rear of the Hove cocktail bar, Before The Devil Knows You’re Dead, it’s a long way from your average Indian takeaway. Kanthi is focused on homegrown regional recipes, primarily from South India and Sri Lanka, that he gathered during his travels. The menu is short, seasonal, and changes monthly to keep things fresh. If you’re used to Tikka Massala or Korma, there’s no better place to switch things up with authentic gems like Kerala-style layered Parotta, Sri Lankan Prawn Hodi simmered in aromatic coconut milk, and Paneer Butter Masala enriched with Kashmiri chillies. It’s a low-key but incredibly high-quality addition to the western edge of Hove.
The setup is very flexible, you can drop by for a drink at the bar and order some small plates, or arrange for a delivery or pickup to enjoy these bold flavours at home. Kanthi is also committed to sustainability, using compostable packaging and offering a ‘returnware’ option with stainless steel containers. If his cooking inspires you, you can even find some of his recipes online to try and recreate that spice-circuit magic in your own kitchen.
For those looking for a really special experience, you need to book the ‘Spice & Stories’ Chef’s Table. This is a tiny, six-seater spot located right inside the kitchen where Kanthi serves a themed monthly menu, currently a deep dive into Sri Lankan regional dishes like hot butter squid and Jaffna lamb chops. It’s a uniquely personal way to eat, surrounded by family photos and boxes of obscure spices, while Kanthi shares the history behind every bite. The next date is on Monday (23/3), just remember to email him directly to snag a seat at the table, as the online booking is only for the bar!
📍 171b Portland Rd, Hove
⏰ 5-8:45pm (Wed-Sat)
🧑💻 Menu, Recipes, Classes and more!
20/3/2026 - 22/3/2026
Fri
🌟 Lighthouse: MYRIAD
6pm, Fri @ The Old Market
A one-night celebration of the city’s brightest emerging artists featuring live music, short films, and video games. More Info
👯 Epicene
8pm, Fri @ Ironworks Studios
Paul Diello’s award-winning, gender-blending celebration of iconic women in music returns for a hit night of performance. More Info
🎭 Extra Topping Comedy Showcase
7:30pm, Fri @ Sweet@The Yellow Book
Expect the UK's finest sketch, improv, and musical comedy hosted by the "insatiable" Leslie Bloom. More Info
✨ Komedia Comedy Club
8pm, Fri & Sat @ Komedia
Three top acts and an MC showcase the best of the UK's independent live comedy circuit. More Info
🎨 Spring Salon Art Exhibition
11am-5pm, Fri @ Regency Townhouse
A vibrant exhibition of contemporary painting and sculpture featuring twelve exceptional artists.
🎨 Helm Gallery: Take The Streets
6pm, Fri @ Helm Gallery
A weekly Friday night takeover fusing art, music, tattoos, and cocktails in an electric creative space. More Info
🥁 Carnival Collective: Live Album Recording
7pm, Fri @ Chalk
Join Brighton’s drum’n’bass orchestra as they perform a high-energy set for their live album recording. More Info
Sat
🎧 Gok Wan Presents: Isolation Nation
6pm, Sat @ Concorde 2
Gok Wan returns for a second installment of his record-selling club night, bringing house and disco to the dance floor. More Info
🕺 Event 2 Day Club for Over 30s
4pm-9pm, Sat @ Horizon
Rolling back the glory years with an afternoon of pure 90s entertainment for the over-30s crowd. More Info
🎷 Brighton Jazz Coop 40th Anniversary
1pm-3pm, Sat @ Ropetackle Arts Centre
A live launch featuring two community bands to celebrate four decades of ego-free jazz learning. More Info
🌊 Coastal Structures
11am-4pm, Sat @ Fishing Quarter Gallery
A printmaking exhibition from two local artists inspired by the raw textures of the coast and sea.
🛍️ Brighton's Craft & Flea Market
11am-4pm, Sat @ St Bartholomew's Church
Browse a huge collection of independent makers and local artisans in a stunning architectural setting. More Info
🌿 Spring Wreath Workshops
10:30am and 1:30pm, Sat @ WWT Arundel
Craft a unique seasonal wreath using wetland willow and foraged foliage in this nature-based session. More Info
🎻 Spring Concert: Brighton & Hove Music Centre
6:30pm, Sat @ Varndean School Hall
A showcase of the city's young musical talent featuring Big Bands, Concert Bands, and orchestras. More Info
👯 Dorothy Stringer Dance Show 2026
7pm, Sat @ Brighton Dome
An evening of spectacular dance performance from the talented students at Dorothy Stringer School. More Info
👶 Skip's Family Workshop - Ponyo
10:30am, Sat @ Theatre Royal
An undersea adventure for ages 5-10 packed with imaginative arts, crafts, and making around the theatre. More Info
🖼️ Women of Many Worlds Art Exhibition
10am-4pm, Sat @ The Grange Art Gallery
The second day of Sarah Drewek's figurative art showcase in Rottingdean. More Info
🎨 Spring Salon Art Exhibition
11am-5pm, Sat @ Regency Townhouse
Contemporary painting and sculpture on display in the heart of Hove.
Sun
🏴 Connor Burns: Gallus
8pm, Sun @ Komedia
Scotland’s international breakthrough stand-up star returns with a fearless hour of sharp comedy. More Info
🇮🇪 Foil, Arms and Hog: Skittish
7:30pm, Sun @ Theatre Royal
The world-renowned Irish trio bring their brand new mix of sketch, participation, and improv to town. More Info
🎤 Michelle de Swarte: The Afters
8pm, Sun @ Brighton Dome
Brutally honest oversharing about life before social media and pregaming perimenopause. More Info
🔥 Jamie Hutchinson: Can My Mate Come?
8pm, Sun @ The Forge Comedy Club
A brand-new hour of unfiltered comedy and chaotic charm from the stand-up and podcast hero. More Info
🛍️ Spring Craft Market
11am-4pm, Sun @ Exeter Street Hall
Lovely local stalls, children's activities, and delicious tea and cake in the heart of the community. More Info
🎶 Gorgeous European Motets
5pm, Sun @ St Nicholas' Church
The Brighton Singers journey through Europe with a collection of beautiful choral pieces. More Info
🐊 The Enormous Crocodile The Musical
10am and 2pm, Sun @ Theatre Royal
A wickedly funny musical adventure based on Roald Dahl’s book, featuring spectacular puppets. More Info
🎸 Tigers and Flies LP Fundraiser
2pm, Sun @ The Prince Albert
The group plays their new LP in full featuring jagged edges, hot steam horns, and plenty of cowbell. More Info
🖼️ Women of Many Worlds Art Exhibition
1pm-4pm, Sun @ The Grange Art Gallery
Final day of the figurative art exhibition by Sarah Drewek. More Info
🎨 Spring Salon Art Exhibition
11am-5pm, Sun @ Regency Townhouse
Closing day for this group showcase of painting, sculpture, and photography in Hove.
Live Music
Beans On Toast | Concorde 2 | Fri, Mar 20 | Tickets
Carnival Collective | Chalk | Fri, Mar 20 | Tickets
Green Gardens | The Hope & Ruin | Fri, Mar 20 | Tickets
ladylike | Green Door Store | Fri, Mar 20 | Tickets
Paige Tomlinson | Patterns | Fri, Mar 20 | Tickets